What is the difference between an aerosol inhaler and a nebuliser?
The most significant difference between a nebulizer and an inhaler is the ease of use. A nebulizer is designed to place medication directly into the lungs and needs little patient cooperation. This is vital because the lungs are the source of inflammation.
What are aerosol inhalers?
An aerosol is a suspension of liquid and/or solid particles, usually administered by a medical device like an inhaler. A medical device is used to convert the medication into fine aerosol particles which can be inhaled or propelled directly into the airway and lungs.
What does 200 metered actuations mean?
Your inhaler canister has 200 puffs in it, you are told to take 8 puffs total every day. 200 puffs in container / 8 puffs per day = 25 days. This canister of medicine will last 25 days, so if you started using it on January 1, you should replace it on or before January 25.
Is a nebulizer better than an inhaler for COPD?
Nebulizers and inhalers can be equally effective in many situations, but nebulizers are better in some instances. Nebulizers deliver a continuous mist of medication that you breathe for 10 to 15 minutes or longer. This allows you to breathe normally through your mouth during treatment.
Can you drink water after using inhaler?
If you are using a corticosteroid inhaler, gargle and rinse out your mouth with water after use. Do not swallow the water. Swallowing the water will increase the chance that the medicine will get into your bloodstream. This may make it more likely that you will have side effects.
Are aerosol inhalers bad for you?
When taken regularly, these can provide long-term asthma relief and minimize the use of a rescue inhaler, but if they are not taken as prescribed they can cause deterioration in a patient’s health and can make asthma symptoms increase rapidly.
Why does my inhaler spacer whistle?
Replace your spacer whenever the rubber valve stiffens or becomes brittle. Some spacers have a built in whistle. The whistling sound is to let you know that you are inhaling too fast or too strongly. The goal is to breathe slowly enough so that you do not make the spacer whistle when you inhale.
How long should I wait between using my bronchodilator and my corticosteroids?
9. If you are on a bronchodilator inhaler wait 1 minute between puffs. You do not need to wait between puffs of inhaled steroids. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after inhaler use.